Aug 26 3 Amazing Temples in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's largest and most famous island, may be best well known for its beaches, but it has many other fascinating sites as well. If you are looking do discover a more spiritual side of the island away from the beach parties and backpacker bars, head to these three amazing temples, each totally unique.

Wat Pratong

This temple holds a very unusual and mysterious Buddha image - only the head and shoulders are visible rising up out of the ground! This golden statue was found buried in the ground long ago. A local legend says the image is surrounded with very powerful magic, and anyone who has ever tried to dig up or uncover more of the statue has either died or been badly injured, forcing them to stop. Eventually, a temple was constructed surrounding the statue, which remains half-buried today.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the most important temple on Phuket Island. An intricate and beautiful three-story chedi holds a number of important Buddhist holy relics on each floor. Admission is free, and visitors can climb to the top of the chedi for amazing views over the temple complex.

Phuket has a large Chinese-Thai population, and this temple also has some Chinese-Thai influence. It's not unusual to hear the loud crack of worshipers lighting off strings of firecrackers in prayer.

Wat Chalong is surrounded by beautiful green hills and jungle, and the views are amazing! The temple itself is a fairly large complex, but the square golden Chedi rising up high over the compound is the main attraction to see.

Phuket Big Buddha

Sitting on a hill overlooking the sea is the Phuket Big Buddha, the island's most important and impressive holy site.